Marney embraces competition for places

Chris Boden

The club's longest-serving player is determined to establish Burnley in the Premier League, and feels the added quality can only enhance the Clarets' chances of survival.

Marney, signed by Brian Laws in the summer of 2010, has been a mainstay of Sean Dyche's four-year reign, predominantly alongside David Jones, before Joey Barton added to the options last season.

The pool of talent has cranked up a gear this summer back in the top flight, with Belgium international Defour arriving for £7.4m, before Hendrick shattered the club transfer record, moving for in excess of £10m from Derby County.

Many may have felt Marney would be edged out of the side, but he has not only remained a regular, he has started every league game so far this season, and he admitted: "I've never looked on players coming in as anything to worry about, I've always been very much a team player and want the best for the club.

"Burnley's been a massive part of my life so I want Burnley to still be a Premier League club long after I've gone.

"If I could do my bit, that would be great. Signing other players helps the whole squad.

"It's given the gaffer a different option, we've actually got the midfield players to play the three - two years ago we didn't have that.

"I think at this level, that formation is very effective. A lot of teams play three in midfield, and you can feel totally outnumbered in a 4-4-2, it's tough, but you do the best you can."

Marney helped Hull City stay up at the first attempt in 2009, before moving across the Pennines when the Tigers were relegated with Burnley a year later.

And he feels the club has moved on somewhat in those six years: "It's come on massively, you see the new training ground being built, changes at the ground. When I first signed you used to have get changed at the ground and drive here. The club's made massive steps and it's important for the club.

"It would be great for the club to be in the Premier League for many years to come.

"Eddie Howe started to try and change things, and the gaffer has come in and pushed the club to a new level. That tells you everything, on and off the pitch.

"We're one of the fittest teams in the league and they're just a great set of lads.